Origin: A former Catholic priest, John Knox, developed the Presbyterian church in
Scotland based primarily on John Calvin’s theological doctrines.Prime Philosophy: CalvinismFounder: John KnoxFounding Date: 1560Church Structure: Governing authority is placed primarily in elected laypersons
known as elders. The elders of a local congregation are called a session. Several sessions
constitute a local synod which in turn are collectively know as a General Assembly to
govern the entire denomination. Elders and ministers who serve in governing bodies are
called presbyters.Mission: The church is called to be Christ's faithful evangelist going into the
world, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all he has commanded. It
demonstrates by the love of its members for one another and by the quality of its common
life the new reality in Christ, through worship, fellowship, and nurturing. It practices a
deepened life of prayer and service under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Religious Doctrines

God: Trinitarian Father, Son and Holy SpiritSacraments: Baptism, CommunionSalvation: PredestinationScriptures: 66 books, supernaturally inspired, Sola FideDogmaticOrigins: Sola Scriptura, reason and the Spirit lead to proper
interpretation of Scripture. Confessions and dogmas are proclaimed by the General
Assembly.Church: One company and multitude of men chosen by God, who rightly worship and
embrace him by true faith in Christ Jesus, who is the only Head of the church, even as it
is the body and spouse of Christ Jesus. This church is catholic, that is, universal,
because it contains the chosen of all ages, of all realms, nations, and tongues, be they
of the Jews or be they of the Gentiles, who have communion and society with God the
Father, and with his Son, Christ Jesus, through the sanctification of his Holy Spirit.

Theological Beliefs

Man’s State: Fallen state due to original sinSin: covered up through justification of the elect. A person of the elect can only
attribute their assured salvation to Christ’s death on the cross, and the grace
through faith alone active in a believer. The Holy Spirit brings grace upon the elect.Grace: Grace is defined as favor, blessing, or goodwill offered by one who does not
need to do so. It is unearned and undeserved favor. In our sinful condition as humans,
undeserving as we are of God's love, it is God's goodwill and favor reaching out to redeem
us. Redemption and Salvation: The Calvinistic theology holds that God predestines
individuals to eternal beatitude or eternal damnation. Those chosen by God to be
"saved" are referred to as the "elect" and can be assured of their
salvation.Justification: Presbyterians believe in justification by grace alone through faith
alone, and that grace is attributed to Christ. However, reformed theology goes further and
says that justification is offered only to the predestined elect. This theology varies
with the particular divisions of Presbyterians. Some Presbyterians say that grace is
freely offered to all and that all are predestined to be saved if a person repents of
their sins and accepts by faith the relationship of love that God offers. This stance
seems to abandon the tenet of predestination expounded by Calvin and Knox.Repentance: Repentance of sins is wrought by the grace of God in his chosen elect
and is a part of justification.

Sacraments

Baptism: Trinitarian baptism, "Baptism enacts and seals what the Word
proclaims: God's redeeming grace offered to all people. Baptism is God's gift of grace and
also God's summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls to repentance, to faithfulness,
and to discipleship. Baptism gives the church its identity and commissions the church for
ministry to the world." -- --Book of Order W-2.3006. Presbyterians practice
infant baptism.Communion: "The Lord's Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in
communion with the crucified and risen Lord. During his earthly ministry Jesus shared
meals with his followers as a sign of community and acceptance and as an occasion for his
own ministry."--Book of Order W-2.4001a

Miscellaneous

Women can be ordained to the ministry.

The Presbyterian denomination does not advocate a pro-life stance on abortion. The182nd
General Assembly of the U.S. Presbyterian church declared that "the artificial or
induced termination of pregnancy is a matter of the careful ethical decision of the
patient…and therefore should not be restricted by law…"